Browse Articles

Clinical efficacy of Chaipu Decoction combined with Seretide in the treatment of bronchial asthma and its impact on TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+

Impact of solvent forces and broken symmetry on the assembly of designed proteins at a liquid-solid interface

Abstract The era of protein design has enabled the creation of hybrid protein-inorganic interfaces, leading to both surface-directed self-assembly of de novo protein architectures and protein-directed formation of inorganic materials. However, the resulting patterns of protein assembly are often unexpected, implying that essential interactions are not accounted for in current design platforms. Here, we use high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyzed through machine learning to follow the assembly of protein nanorods in aqueous electrolytes on two types of mica exhibiting disparate symmetry elements, which are imprinted on the overlying hydration structure. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we reproduce the observed phases and show that an observed smectic phase, previously thought to be unstable for non-interacting rods in two dimensions, emerges when crystal symmetry introduces a directional bias. The findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating solvent forces as modulated by the hydration structure inherent to interfacial systems when designing protein assemblies at liquid-crystal interfaces. Coupling physics-based simulations that can account for these factors to de novo protein design algorithms can lead to improved design platforms for bio-inspired, hybrid materials.

Comparative analysis of stress markers, metabolic health, and gut microbiota in healthy and disabled dogs in long-term shelters in Thailand

Regular welfare assessments are essential for identifying and addressing the physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of shelter dogs, thereby ensuring their well-being and improving chances for adoption or long-term stability within the shelter environment. This study compared biomarkers of physiological stress [fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM)], metabolic status [serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose, triglycerides, low- (LDL) and high- (HDL) density lipoproteins], and fecal microbiota composition over a 1-month period in healthy and spinal-injured disabled dogs housed in a large dog rescue shelter in Thailand for over 1 year. No significant differences in fGCM concentrations were observed between groups, indicating comparable levels of physiological stress in healthy and disabled dogs under long-term shelter conditions. In contrast, disabled dogs exhibited significant metabolic and oxidative alterations, including elevated MDA and glucose, along with lower triglyceride and HDL concentrations. Microbial analyses revealed comparable alpha diversity but differences in beta diversity between groups. Notably, disabled dogs exhibited a reduced Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and decreased relative abundances of beneficial taxa such as Peptostreptococcaceae . These findings suggest that, despite comparable hormonal stress indicators, disabled dogs may experience subclinical physiological shifts that warrant more nuanced welfare monitoring. A multifactorial assessment incorporating metabolic and microbial parameters is recommended to ensure comprehensive welfare evaluation for physically impaired shelter dogs.

Improved muscle recovery after omega-3 supplementation is associated with increased oxylipin availability

Diversification of functional requirements for proteolysis of auxin response factors

Effect of anticancer activity of aripiprazole main metabolite OPC-14857 on malignant glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is an incurable and highly malignant brain tumor that poses challenges in surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments. Aripiprazole (ARP), an antipsychotic drug, exerts cytotoxic effects against various cancers. In the present study, we compared the inhibitory effect of ARP on cell proliferation with that of its main metabolite, OPC-14857 (OPC), using glioblastoma cell lines (U251, T98G, and U87 cells) to explore their potential for repurposing against brain tumors. Both demonstrated more potent anticancer activity than temozolomide, the current standard clinical therapy for malignant glioblastoma. Additionally, we assessed their effects on the cell cycle, cytoskeleton, cell migration, and protein expression. The anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activities of OPC were similar to those of ARP. Moreover, there were no differences in the effects of cell death inhibitors on the anticancer activities of ARP and OPC. However, the two compounds exhibited distinct activity profiles. Exposure to OPC was suggested to induce G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and to suppress cell proliferation and migration, potentially by affecting actin and altering its subcellular localization. ARP and OPC enhanced doxorubicin (DOX) efficacy, likely via P-glycoprotein inhibition; known for ARP, suggested for structurally similar OPC. Treatment with ARP or OPC reduced the expression of survivin, an anti-apoptotic protein, suggesting an increase in apoptotic susceptibility. Although our observations were limited to in vitro studies, our findings suggest that OPC may have sustained anticancer effects even when ARP is metabolized in humans. Therefore, if ARP can be used for drug repurposing in glioblastoma, the long-term effects of OPC could be anticipated.

Peri-implant soft tissue health and denture base adaptation of CAD/CAM milled versus 3D-printed implant-assisted mandibular overdentures: one-year randomized clinical trial

Abstract This study aimed to compare denture base adaptation and peri-implant soft tissue health between CAD/CAM milled and 3D-printed mandibular implant-assisted overdentures. Twenty-four completely edentulous patients were enrolled and randomly allocated to two groups. After two dropouts, twenty-two patients completed the trial (11 per group). All patients received two implants in the mandibular canine region with ball attachments. The intervention group received a CAD/CAM milled mandibular overdenture, while the control group received a 3D-printed mandibular overdenture; both groups received a conventional maxillary complete denture. Peri-implant soft tissue health was assessed using clinical parameters, including Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), Bleeding Index (BI), and Probing depth (PD) at insertion (T0), six months (T6), and one year (T12) after denture insertion. The adaptation of the denture base for both groups was assessed by digital surface matching software (Geomagic). Regarding peri-implant soft tissue health, clinical parameters increased significantly with time for both groups, and there was no significant difference in all parameters between the two groups at all observational times. The whole surface adaptation between the two groups was significantly different, with Group I showing significantly higher adaptation than Group II. Within the limitations of this study, CAD/CAM milled implant-assisted mandibular overdentures demonstrated superior denture base adaptation compared to their 3D-printed counterparts. This finding underscores the precision achievable with subtractive manufacturing for definitive prostheses. Regarding the peri-implant tissues, both groups maintained comparable and stable levels of plaque control and gingival health throughout the observation period. Clinical Trial Registration Number : No. NCT06166446.

A conserved, immune-regulated peritrophin promotes Vibrio cholerae colonization of the arthropod intestine

Physicochemical status of Nwanedi river water, and its influence on the metabolome of river-irrigated tomato leaves

Contaminated water used for irrigation has been reported to trigger metabolic and physiological changes in plants. This study assessed the physicochemical status, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), salinity (SAL), and metals of Nwanedi River water and its influence on the primary metabolome of disordered tomato leaves (a physiological condition) irrigated with the Nwanedi River water. The physicochemical properties of water from Nwanedi River were measured by a multi-probe field meter, metal concentration by Inductively Coupled Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES), and primary metabolite profiling of disordered leaves done using LCMS-8040 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The pH, EC, TDS, Cd and Pb of river water were above the stipulated standards for irrigation purposes. Levels of hypoxanthine in tomato leaves were influenced negatively by pH (r = −0.91), TDS (r = −0.93), EC (r = −0.93), and SAL (r = −0.95) as revealed by Pearson correlation. Other metabolite quantities significantly swayed by the water’s condition were histamine, thymine, 4-hydroxyproline, acetylcarnitine and carnosine. The correlations between primary metabolites in the disordered leaves and the physicochemical parameters could indicate mitigation and adaptation mechanisms of the tomato plant.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in rats by regulating the autophagic pathway

Abstract Steatosis is the accumulation of neutral lipids in the cytoplasm. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a suitable acronym to define steatosis associated with metabolic dysfunction. Autophagy is a conserved quality-control process in lysosomes that destroys cytoplasmic contents. Lipophagy is the process through which autophagy destroys lipid droplets. This study investigates effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on MASLD induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were fed 60% HFD for 8 weeks, and Dex (1 mcg/kg/day and 5 mcg/kg/day) was given intraperitoneally. Dex decreased liver integrity markers and improved antioxidant status by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, it decreased serum levels of both total cholesterol and triglycerides. Autophagic markers (Beclin 1, ULK1, AMPK, LC3) were improved by Dex treatment and protein expression of p62 was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, it decreased apoptosis by decreasing caspsae-3 and increasing Bcl-2. Histopathological examination was used to assess the degree of steatosis. Dex was found to induce autophagy in MASLD in a dose-dependent manner and improve liver function and degree of steatosis. Dex, therefore, may be a potential adjunctive therapeutic option in clinical settings for treating MASLD.

Hepatocyte SLCO4C1 is a cAMP uptake transporter for inhibiting lipogenesis and a therapeutic target for MASLD

Rehabilitation outcomes following tail-fluke amputation in an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin: A welfare-centered approach

Tail fluke loss in cetaceans compromises locomotion and impairs social functioning, posing serious welfare challenges. Rehabilitation strategies that address both physical performance and behavioral reintegration are essential for improving quality of life in affected individuals. This study evaluated the outcomes of a structured, two-phase rehabilitation program applied to Sami, an adult Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops aduncus ) that underwent tail-fluke amputation, with an emphasis on locomotor function, behavioral adaptation, and long-term welfare. The rehabilitation protocol comprised two phases. Phase 1 focused on restoring vertical tail-beat locomotion through a combination of range-of-motion exercises and the use of a custom-designed prosthetic tail fluke. Swimming performance was quantitatively assessed using biologging devices under three conditions: without tail flukes, with the prosthetic tail, and in healthy conspecifics. Phase 2 introduced structured cohabitation with familiar individuals to promote social reintegration. Behavioral data were collected before and after rehabilitation to evaluate affiliative engagement and activity patterns. While maximum swim speed remained lower than in healthy individuals, propulsion per stroke significantly improved with prosthetic use. Notably, the subject dolphin retained species-typical vertical tail-beat motion even after prosthesis discontinuation, indicating motor pattern adaptation. Post-rehabilitation, affiliative behavior increased to 17% of total observed activity—more than twice that of a healthy control—while resting behavior markedly declined. No aggression or abnormal behaviors were observed. This study demonstrates that a welfare-centered, multi-phase rehabilitation framework can effectively promote both functional recovery and social reengagement in dolphins with severe caudal injuries. The long-term retention of adaptive locomotor and social behaviors highlights the potential of integrative approaches to enhance the quality of life in physically compromised cetaceans.

Transcriptomic response of Xanthomonas campestris during xanthan gum production to glutamate concentration

Abstract The molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of nitrogen sources on xanthan gum production remain poorly understood. This study compared the effects of two nitrogen sources (NH 4 Cl and glutamate) on xanthan gum production in Xanthomonas campestris . Additionally, the transcriptomic responses to different glutamate concentrations during fermentation were investigated. The findings revealed that glutamate, particularly at a lower concentration of 1 g/L, significantly enhanced xanthan gum yield and viscosity. Comparative transcriptomic analysis across different fermentation stages revealed that nitrogen limitation, observed on day 4 under 1 g/L glutamate and day 6 under 2 g/L glutamate, favored xanthan gum biosynthesis. Furthermore, low glutamate concentration improved xanthan gum production primarily by altering nitrogen assimilation and redirecting carbon metabolic fluxes through modulation in the expression of genes ( rpoN , rpfC , and rpfG ) associated within two-component regulatory system. These results may provide valuable guidance for xanthan gum production using genetically engineered bacteria.

Liquid metal dispersed single-atom catalyst with high-temperature stability

The effect of intradialytic resistance exercise on physical function and dialysis adequacy in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Background Chronic kidney disease poses a growing global health concern and is linked to several complications with higher prevalence and intensity in the hemodialysis (HD) population. These complications contribute to high morbidity and mortality and are associated with poor physical function, and poor quality of life. Intradialytic exercise has emerged as a promising strategy to improve HD patients’ clinically relevant outcomes. Aims Assess the effect of intradialytic exercise on the functional and metabolic status of patients undergoing HD, and on their physical performance and evaluate its safety and feasibility. Methods This was a pre-experimental clinical trial conducted between February and August 2024, including adult patients on maintenance HD at Sahloul University Hospital. Patients underwent a supervised intradialytic resistance training twice or three times a week, over a period of 12 weeks.. Dialysis adequacy parameters, physical function, cardiovascular parameters, as well as patients’ nutritional status were assessed before and after the intervention. Results Our study included 21 patient with a female predominance (76.2%). The population’s mean age was 44.5 ± 10.4 years. A total of five patients (23.8%) received hemodialysis twice a week, while the remaining 16 patients underwent dialysis three times a week. Over the three-month intervention, the six minutes walk test distance improved significantly with a mean paired difference of 26.4 m (p = 0.007). As for cardiovascular parameters we noted that intradialytic blood pressure decreased from 121.7 mmHg to 112 mmHg (p = 0.03). Dialysis adequacy markers also showed significant increases in creatinine reduction ratio (p = 0.04) and Urea Reduction Ratio (p = 0.04). Furthermore nutritional status showed fewer patients at risk of malnutrition and BMI shifted toward healthier ranges. Conclusion Our study results suggest that three months of intradialytic resistance exercise safely improved HD patients’ care including cardiovascular state, physical function and adequacy parameters. Further research especially combining resistance and aerobic exercise is needed to expand and generalize these results. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202506776186443).

Spatial proteomics of breast ductal carcinoma in situ reveal distinct regional differences

A new perspective on population genetics: Deciphering the relationship between genetic variants and disease prevalence in Psoriasis

In the quest to identify the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases, we developed a novel approach called Causal Genotype Combination Patterns (CGCP) to uncover characteristic genetic signatures of common diseases. In this study, we applied the CGCP method to a whole-exome sequencing dataset of 781 psoriasis cases and 676 healthy controls from the Chinese Han population. Our analysis revealed 620 genotype combinations specific to psoriasis, covering 4.7% to 10% of all cases, with each genotype having a frequency of at least 1%. These genotypes converged into 134 genes, including 41 previously reported to be associated with psoriasis. By leveraging public data from the 1000 Genomes Project Phase III and literature reviews on psoriasis prevalence in various ethnic populations, we established a strong positive correlation and linear regression model (y = 61.72x + 0.48, 95% CI [21.60, 101.84]) between the average frequency of these psoriasis-specific genotype combinations and disease prevalence across populations. This finding may explain the varying prevalence of psoriasis in different populations. Our strategy offers a new perspective on understanding the characteristics of population genetics in common diseases.

Mechanical response analysis of tunnels crossing reverse faults under non-uniform seismic inputs

Is the process of successful sexual aging different in older partnered and non-partnered adults?

As populations in the Western world age, interest in the sexual health and well-being of older adults has grown substantially, yet positive models of sexual aging remain underexplored—especially across diverse relational contexts. To address this gap, the Successful Sexual Aging (SSA) model was recently proposed. This model conceptualizes positive sexual aging as a dynamic process involving three interrelated psychosocial domains: acceptance of physical and sexual changes, adaptation to those changes, and the presence of opportunities for sexual expression. These domains were operationalized as a latent construct, which was validated and explored for culture-specific elements in partnered older adults. Given the importance of a close partnership for older adults’ sexuality, but also the fact that many older adults, women in particular, are non-partnered, the current study focused on the assessment of differences in positive sexual aging between partnered and non-partnered older German ( N  = 1,328, M age  = 69.2) and Croatian adults ( N  = 301, M age  = 68.8). Using measurement invariance testing and a network analytic approach, we identified important differences in reported obstacles to sexual expression between partnered and non-partnered older adults, and the robustness (connectivity) of the network of SSA-indicating items. Overall, SSA seemed to be somewhat more difficult for older non-partnered adults compared to their partnered peers. Although the 9-item measure of SSA can be used to reliably assess the process of sexual aging in both partnered and non-partnered older individuals, direct comparisons should be avoided due to partnership-specific properties of positive sexual aging.

Acute muscle damage responses in elbow flexors following eccentric quasi-isometric exercise

Abstract This study aimed to compare acute muscle damage responses of the elbow flexors following eccentric quasi-isometric (EQI) and eccentric (ECC) exercise. Thirty healthy young men were randomly assigned to EQI or ECC ( n  = 15/group). Participants performed five sets of dumbbell elbow flexion to volitional failure. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC), elbow joint range of motion (ROM), upper arm circumference (CIR), pressure pain threshold (PPT), plasma creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin (Mb) were measured before, immediately after, and 1, 2, 3, and 7 days post-exercise. Time under tension (TUT) was recorded. TUT was approximately 3.5-fold longer in EQI than ECC. ECC induced greater reductions in MVC (− 30% vs. −15%) and ROM (− 27% vs. −13%), and larger increases in CIR (+ 5% vs. +2%). Peak CK (11,601 ± 9,483 vs. 135.2 ± 33.1 IU/L) and Mb (406.7 ± 271.8 vs. 17.7 ± 6.2 ng/mL) were markedly higher following ECC. Distal PPT was 13–19% lower in ECC. Most variables returned to baseline by day 7 in EQI. Despite longer TUT, EQI induced substantially less acute muscle damage and faster recovery than ECC when both were performed to volitional failure at the same relative external load.